The roots of Total Ministry can be found in both the Old and New Testaments. Here are a few passages. In Numbers 11: 10-30 we have the story of Moses complaining about the burden he had to carry in leading the Israelites in the Wilderness. God tells Moses to appoint 70 elders to share the responsibilities of leadership.
In Mark 3: 13-19, we read how Jesus appoints the Twelve whom he would send out to proclaim the Gospel. In Luke 10: 1-9 we have the story of how Jesus appoints 70 for Mission. In the Book of Acts there are numerous references to local leaders. In Acts 13: 1-3 a group of prophets and teachers were told by the Holy Spirit to set Barnabas and Saul (Paul) apart to do the work given to them to do. In Acts 14: 19-23, further stories about Paul and Barnabas tell how they traveled to several cities, and appointed elders in each congregation. In his letters, the apostle Paul offers theological reflection on gifts given by the Holy Spirit for building up the Church, the Body of Christ. In I Corinthians 12: 4-13 he writes that we are one body with many gifts given for the common good. In Ephesians 4: 1-13, he discusses the gifts given to equip the saints for ministry.
Moses no longer had to bear alone the responsibility for the community of the faithful. Jesus first chose the Twelve who are know to us as the Disciples, and then appointed 70 to join them in God’s mission and ministry. Even Jesus didn’t try to do all the ministry alone. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, others carried on. Paul and Barnabas identified persons with gifts for ministry in each congregation, taught them the traditions of the Christians, laid hands on them with prayer, and committed them to God and God’s service.
In I Corinthians 12 Paul says, “There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. … To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” He goes on to list apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, healers, helpers, administrators, speaking in tongues and interpretation. In Ephesians 4 he has a similar list with a few variations, adding evangelists and pastors.
The Catechism in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, on page 855, in the section on “The Ministry” first asks, “Who are the ministers of the Church?” The answer is, “The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons.” “Lay persons” are intentionally listed first. The second question is, “What is the ministry of the laity?” “The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.”
Our Baptismal Covenant builds on the concept that all the baptized are called to serve Christ and carry on the work of mission and ministry. In two of our vows we agree that with God’s help we will proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ, we will seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and we will strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being.
As committed disciples our own time and place, we are all called to carry on the mission of the Christ.
